Crushing on shorties since 2004.

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George Saunders, "CivilWarLand in Bad Decline"

Problems both modern and timeless creep up on the Civil War theme park.

(from CivilWarLand in Bad Decline)

I feel like enumerating.1. I dig George Saunders the way I dig early Mountain Goats stuff. In both, I recognize recurring themes, ideas, characters, oases of humanity in deserts of harsh civilzation. Young John Darnielle liked ancient civilizations, desperate people and the weather. Saunders likes his ghosts, theme parks, corporate babble and thoughtless violence. It’s a great mix of elements, a nearly familiar, always exciting recipe.And, much like The Mountain Goats, Saunders has no problem switching it up. You could say The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil is his Tallahassee. I would get it if you did.2. Mike Pelusi, the Smatthew Brock of rock criticism, gave me this book, along with four other which I shall read from and thank him for when the time is right. Meantime, here‘s a link to Mike’s homebase.3. I actually finished this long story on Friday night, but I was having too good a time this weekend to blog. Oh, don’t give me that look. You know I’m not always telling the truth about when I read and when I post. You really think I’m writing up that many stories at 11:59 p.m.? You want to be lied to. I don’t need your negative trip. I am happy.Josh White, “Free and Equal Blues”